The Titus brothers continually amaze. I am not a domestic Chardonnay fan. But folks this one is an exception. It has all the right components, butter, oak, fruit, but the balance is what is impressive. Too many CA chardonnay taste like gnawing on cardboard and are all together flat.

This one is perfection. Rich, smooth and creamy. Notes of tree fruit, apple, pear and peach. What a delicious combination.

Enjoy $$

 

This was a real crappy day.  Rainy, cold and just yuck and to top it off I spent too much of my day off doing work. YUCK  On days like these I tend to need a real comfort food kinda evening.  One of my favorites growing up was sausage and rice.  My Mom would make this really heavy meal, filling and comfortable and it would make me feel so much better.  So tonight I made this meal and I am really happy to say that me daughter and wife also find it to be a comfort meal.   On this night I paired it with Lloyd Chardonnay.

Rob Lloyd is as they say a wine “rock star”.  He worked his way through the ranks, starting out in the tasting rooms and then after graduation at La Crema and Rombauer.  He started his own consulting company and wine label “Lloyd”.  His credits are Butter, JAM cellars and Lloyd cellars.  He is a consultant on many wines too.  Tonight I am enjoying the 2015 Chardonnay.

The 2015 Chardonnay is rich, creamy and buttery.  Full bodied with lots of ripe Carneros fruit, notes of vanilla that soften it up.  Hints of oak linger at the finish but not overpowering.  Loads of texture, a beautiful example  of what chardonnay could be.

Sausage and rice with Lloyd Chardonnay.  A great combination.

Enjoy

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Sometimes I like to give a little bit of information about the winery and AVA.

Located in Sonoma County, Dry Creek AVA is located outside of Healdsburg. Also sometimes known as Dry Creek Valley, it was created by the Dry Creek (of course) a tributary of the Russian River. Cabernet and Zinfandel are the two most planted red grapes with Sauvignon Blanc the white.

Truett Hurst, located right on the creek planted mainly with Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Owned by the Hurst and Dolan families and keeping with their desire for sustainable farming. Virginia Lambrix is the winemaker ( and a fantastic one at that). A must visit winery on any trip to Sonoma. Take a minute and sit by the creek and enjoy the beauty.

The three vineyard zin is as it says a blend of three vineyards. The aromas of raspberry and roses comes forth as you pull the plug on this one. Ripe and intense fruit flavors coat your mouth with each sip. Full and rich raspberry with notes of plum and smoke. Cinnamon and pepper ends a very long finish. Delicious. Enjoy this one any time, but definitely a good summer red for grilling meats.

$$$

Enjoy

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Today was very special. First it was just beautiful weather, then of course being on Molokai of course always helps. We drove all the way down to the very east end, mile 28. The Halawa valley of course is the most beautiful place. Two waterfalls lead into a fresh water river then right into the ocean all wthin a few yards. The drive is also amust do in itself, mostly one lane with cliffs on one side and the Pacific on the other. This special morning we were able to stop in a few places and enjoy whales being very active in the morning.
After time in ethe valley we drove back to our favorite beach at mile marker 20. The beach seems to have several names, we use Murphy beach. The best part is that right next to it are the historic Molokai fish ponds. If you are interested in ancient engineering history you will want to see these, visit the refurbishment and get a cultural history as well.
After coming back to the condo we swam in the pool and just realaxed. We bought steaks and grilled out ourselves, watching the most beautiful sunset ever. After dinner we headed back into town to purchase hoot fresh baked bread at Kinematsu out back. Literally you have to walk down the alley, go to the back door of the bakery and ask for a fresh hot loaf. They have several different spreads, my favorite is thcream cheese and cinamon. Only from 7.30 pm to midnight, but if you are interested ini doing a deal in the back alley, this one is the best.
Whale watching tommorow, can’t wait.